Bands! Win a chance to perform at SPIN mag's legendary SXSW party next February...

If you know anything about SXSW, the annual new music showcase in Austin, TX, you know that SPIN magazine's parties/shows there are epic. Here's your chance to play next year's edition. Enter the Hot Pursuit, an online competition powered by Music Nation. Upload your songs, videos, and photos on the competition web site. The public starts voting on their favorites on September 24, and the finalists will be evaluated by the panel of industry judges: Perry Farrell, Saddle Creek recording artist Tim Kasher (frontman for Cursive and The Good Life) and Doug Brod, Editor of Spin magazine. The winner plays the SXSW SPIN party at Stubbs in Austin, TX. After the jump, check out the full press release for more info. -- Arielle Castillo

Calling All Bands: Submissions Kick Off August 28th

August 28, 2007 – Spin magazine and Music Nation, the online home for independent artists, announced today that they will partner to host The Hot Pursuit, an online rock challenge in search of the next breakout artist. In their continued commitment to recognizing up-and-coming musicians, the magazine will search for the artist who truly represents the Spin brand – an artist who is dedicated, innovative, industrious, and ready to make music their life. Ambitious rock musicians seeking to raise their own competitive bar and catch their big break can now upload their multimedia – videos, mp3s, and photos – at www.spin.com/thecompetition to create an artist profile.

Set to act as judges are Alternative rock originator and Satellite Party frontman Perry Farrell as well as pioneering Saddle Creek recording artist Tim Kasher, frontman for both acclaimed bands Cursive and The Good Life, and Doug Brod, Editor of Spin magazine.

Perry Farrell is one of music’s most influential figures and cultural leaders. After assembling the popular rock band Jane’s Addiction, Farrell conceived Lollapalooza, the seminal music festival that encapsulated youth culture and launched the traveling concert experience touring industry in the United States. Farrell’s first musical endeavor in four years, Satellite Party, released its first album entitled “Ultra-Payloaded” on May 29. Satellite Party blends sounds as varied as rock, electro, urban beats and symphony. The idea behind Satellite Party was born out of Farrell's passionate belief that there is a new revolution today being driven by artists and communicators. And with this project, he is launching a musical movement to do just that.

Tim Kasher is known for his highly literate, passionate, and inventive songwriting with his bands Cursive and The Good Life. As one of the most critically lauded musicians of the past 10 years, Kasher will bring a keen, modern perspective to The Hot Pursuit.

“Spin has always been at the forefront of the industry when it comes to recognizing new talent and we feel Music Nation is at the forefront of finding talent in this digital age,” says Spin President Tom Hartle. “Working together in The Hot Pursuit will allow us to take our commitment to artists even further, creating a unique opportunity for them to pursue their aspirations.”

The Hot Pursuit will offer self-empowered independent rock artists the ideal platform where they can work hard, share their music and expand their fanbase…all while gaining invaluable exposure and contending for a record deal that will kickstart their career. The winning artist will earn a joint record deal with Epic Records and Original Signal Recordings (Music Nation’s label arm), a sought-after spot on the bill at Spin’s highly anticipated 2008 SXSW party, and song inclusion on an upcoming 2K sports video game, among other prizes.

The Hot Pursuit will officially launch when voting kicks off on September 24th. During each of the eight preliminary weeks, the public, together with the panel of judges, will vote two acts into the quarterfinals. After three weeks of quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, the winner will be announced in mid-December.

“Spin has a storied history of breaking new artists, which makes them the ideal brand for us to partner with,” said Daniel Klaus, Music Nation co-founder and CEO. “Music Nation is about providing artists with an outlet to gain exposure, helping them break through and beyond. Together, we expect to find the next talented and resourceful artist for Music Nation and Epic to work and establish a sustainable career.”

From next big things to innovative icons, Spin, launched in 1985, covers music for life. With a guaranteed circulation of 450,000 readers, Spin, a monthly, currently reaches an audience of nearly 2 million. Spin magazine is published by Spin Media LLC.

About Music Nation

Music Nation, www.MusicNation.com, is the online home for independent music, empowering artists with the tools to market, promote and find an audience. Through this community, the company supports multi-genre music competitions both domestically and abroad. Utilizing a comprehensive mix of multimedia applications, MusicNation.com serves as the ultimate portal where artists, records labels and fans alike can connect in today's digitally driven market.

Founded in 2006, the company is the brainchild of visionary figures Daniel Klaus (CEO), Lucas Mann (CMO), Kevin P. Ryan (Chairman), and Peter Read (Managing Director, UK and Europe). Their combined expertise crosses the e-commerce, digital media, and music industry divides.

About Original Signal Recordings

Original Signal Recordings merges the services of a traditional record label with a pioneering approach to long-term artist development. In offering a new breed of equitable, joint venture deals that function on multiple platforms, Original Signal presents a unique value to new and established artists. Embracing technology rather than shying away from it, the company employs new media and other channels to generate sustainability for its roster. Original Signal also has the ability to sign artists in partnership with Epic Records, allowing the company to operate as an independent label with major label resources; it also acts as the artist development arm of Music Nation.

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